ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
EU-INDIA JOINT NAVAL EXERCISE
On 18-19 June 2021, the EU and India conducted a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden. The exercise involved Indian Navy frigate INS Trikand, EU NAVFOR Somalia - Operation Atalanta assets, including Italian frigate Carabiniere  and Spanish frigate Navarra, French frigate Surcouf and French amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre. The exercise was based on the scenario of an anti-piracy operation. It included cross-deck helicopter landings, complex tactical evolutions at sea, live firing, a night-time joint patrol and a naval parade in the high seas off the coast of Somalia.
The EU and India are committed to a free, open, inclusive and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region, underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peaceful resolution of disputes. They reaffirm the primacy of international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea .
In January 2021, the EU and India launched a dialogue on maritime security and agreed to deepen their dialogue and cooperation in this domain. The Indian Navy has been providing escort to World Food Programme chartered vessels, coordinated by EU NAVFOR Somalia - Operation Atalanta. The Indian Navy has previously participated in the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction  conference, co-hosted by Operation Atalanta, whose assets conducted several joint exercises with Indian vessels in the past.
The EU and India intend to strengthen their operational cooperation at sea, including joint naval exercises and port calls, and to protect the sea-lanes of communication. They also intend to boost maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific through mutual coordination and exchanges. The EU and India reaffirm their interest to enhance their cooperation in the field of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
ABBB/VM/MS
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Prime Minister's Office
Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway will contribute to Karnataka’s growth trajectory: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway will contribute to Karnataka’s growth trajectory.
Shri Modi was responding to a tweet thread by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari wherein the Minister informed that the construction of Bengaluru Mysuru Expressway project aims to improve accessibility to regions such as Shrirangpatna, Coorg, Ooty, and Kerala, thereby bolstering their tourism potential.
The Union Minister also informed that aforesaid project encompasses a portion of NH-275, also entails the development of four rail overbridges, nine significant bridges, 40 minor bridges, and 89 underpasses and overpasses.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"An important connectivity project which will contribute to Karnataka’s growth trajectory."
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
World Food India a big platform for State Governments to push Food Processing in States: Smt Harsimrat Badal
Union Minister Smt Badal meets Members of Parliament, invites representations during the Mega Event in November
(Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal today said World Food India is not just an opportunity for the Center but also a big platform for State Governments to push food processing sectors in their states. Exemplifying her statement she added that during the previous edition of World Food India in 2017, many States did brisk business and signed Memorandums of Understanding with international companies. To promote this idea the Ministry would be holding road shows in the states.
Smt Badal was speaking at a meeting with Members of Parliament at the Parliament Annexe. The MPs were invited by the Ministry to spread awareness of the upcoming mega event World Food India 2019. The Minister sought assistance of the MPs in sourcing information on raw material clusters from their respective constituencies and what industries could be set up there.
She said that people from across the world who want to source from India and invest in India will be seeking avenues for investment during World Food India 2019. She invited representations from their constituencies for participation in the event to foster tie ups between foreign investors and domestic avenues.
The Ministry also used the occasion to highlight the schemes of the Ministry. Additional Secretary, Dr. Rakesh Sarwal in a presentation to the present MPs highlighted the various schemes being run by the Ministry and their current status. The Minister invited the MPs to bring more proposals forward and assured them of the Ministry's willingness to consider all the proposals speedily.
RM/SS
President's Secretariat
President of India Inaugurates the International Ambedkar Conclave
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the International Ambedkar Conclave, organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians, today  in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the President noted with appreciation that Dr B.R. Ambedkar had attained senior public positions and acclaim on the basis of his extraordinary educational achievements, despite facing conditions of deprivation and inequality. Dr Ambedkar made unique contributions towards building a modern society in India, emphasising the struggle for social rights in public life.
The President said that the Constitution, of which Dr Ambedkar is considered the Chief Architect, has given our democracy a strong framework. And yet it is also flexible so that it can be amended according to the needs of the times. The Constitution provides us the way to fulfil hopes of all sections of people in the world’s largest democracy.
The President emphasised the necessity of working within the purview of the Constitution and the rule of law. The President noted that Dr Ambedkar had said that the basis of the success of any constitution is not just its text. The success of the Constitution depends on the people and political parties, which are used by the people as instruments for the achievement of their aspirations and priorities.
Prime Minister's Office
PM addresses Indian Community in Uganda
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the Indian Community in Uganda. The event in Kampala was also attended by President Museveni of Uganda.
In his address, the Prime Minister said he felt a sense of belonging with the Indian Community in Uganda. He said the presence of President Museveni at the event shows his love for the people of India, and the Indian Community in Uganda. He also thanked President Museveni and the people of Uganda, for the honour to address the Parliament of Uganda on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister said that the relationship between India and Uganda is centuries old. He recalled the historical links between the two countries, including the struggle against colonialism, and the railway construction work in Uganda. He said several Indians have played a key role in Uganda's politics as well.
He complimented the Indian Community for retaining its sense of Indian-ness, as reflected in the cultural performances on this occasion.
The Prime Minister asserted that all countries of Africa, including Uganda, are important for India. He said that a shared history of struggle against colonialism, a large Indian diaspora, and common development challenges, are all reasons for this.
He said today India is among the fastest growing economies in the world. He said India is now exporting cars and smartphones. He said digital technology is becoming a means of empowerment for the people of India; and the country is emerging as an important centre for Startups.
The Prime Minister spoke of the importance of Africa in India's foreign policy. In this context, he mentioned the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi in 2015. He also mentioned other high level bilateral engagements between India and other African nations.
The Prime Minister mentioned other initiatives taken, such as projects with lines of credit worth more than 3 billion dollars; scholarships; and e-visa arrangements. He said about half of all member nations of the International Solar Alliance are from Africa.
The Prime Minister said nations from Asia and Africa are playing a stronger role in the new world order.
AKT/VJ
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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
World Cerebral Palsy Day will be celebrated on 6th October
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global observance that shines a spotlight on cerebral palsy  and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Celebrated every year on October 6th, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about CP, support those living with the condition, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding. Children and adults affected by cerebral palsy often face challenges that hinder their full participation in society. The day sheds light on the need for increased awareness, understanding and support for those with cerebral palsy. The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day in 2023 is “Together Stronger.” This theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the cerebral palsy community and beyond. It emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities come together, they become a powerful force for positive change and inclusion.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities of the country. With the vision to create awareness about Cerebral Palsy among the masses, the Department is observing the World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6th October 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events across the country.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets the nation on Dhanteras
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the Nation on the occasion of Dhanteras.
Prime Minister said, “धनतेरस के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। भगवान धन्वंतरि हम सबको जीवन में सुख, समृद्धि एवं उत्तम स्वास्थ्य प्रदान करें।
Greetings on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. May this special day enhance the spirit of peace and prosperity in our society”.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU signed between India and Guinea in the field of Renewable Energy.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for the MoU between India and Guinea in the field of Renewable Energy.
Objective:
The objective of the MoU is:
- To establish the basis for a cooperative institutional relationship
- To encourage and promote bilateral technical cooperation in the field of renewable energy on the basis of mutual benefit, equality and reciprocity between the Parties.
- Areas of cooperation include Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Bio-energy, and Waste to energy, Small Hydro Storage and Capacity Build.
The Memorandum of understanding will also help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Ministry of Defence
INS Kesari at Port Antsiranana, Madagascar
As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Antsiranana, Madagascar on 27 May 2020. The Government of India in these difficult times is providing assistance to Friendly Foreign Countries in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and towards the same INS Kesari carried a consignment of COVID related essential medicines for the people of Madagascar.
An official ceremony for handing over the medicines from the Government of India to Government of Madagascar was held on 29 May 2020. The ceremony was attended by H.E. M Tehindrazanarivelo Liva Djacoba, Foreign Minister of Madagascar. The Indian side was represented by the Ambassador of India to Madagascar, Mr Abhay Kumar.
The assistance to Madagascar is a part of the Government of India outreach amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Mission Sagar’ builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant difficulties. The deployment also resonates the vision of our Prime Minister of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministries of External Affairs and other agencies of the Government of India.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF ONAM
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has sent his greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Onam.
In a message, the President has said “On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Kerala living in India and abroad.
This festival, celebrated to commemorate the yield of new crop in the fields, shows the tireless hard work of the farmer and gratitude towards mother-nature. This festival also gives the message of harmony, love and fraternity in the society.
On this occasion, let us all resolve to move forward unitedly towards progress and prosperity of our country”.
Click here to see the President's message in hindi
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MNRE clarifies in respect of domestically manufactured solar PV cells
Decision expected to give boost to domestic manufacturing of solar cells in India
In a major decision that is likely to give further boost to domestic manufacturing of solar cells in India, MNRE has issued a clarification in respect of domestically manufactured solar PV cell today.
It may be noted that a number of flagship programmes of MNRE such as KUSUM, have provisions for mandatory use of domestically manufactured solar PV cells. However it was seen that some manufacturers have been importing semi –processed solar PV cells  and making final Solar PV cells with little value addition in India.
The Ministry has clarified that if diffused silicon wafer  is imported and the same is used as raw material for the manufacture of solar PV cells in India, such solar PV cells shall not qualify as domestically manufactured solar PV cells, for the purpose of MNRE’s Schemes / Programmes. A solar PV cell shall be considered to be domestically manufactured only if the same has been manufactured in India, using undiffused silicon wafer .
It is expected that this decision will help in establishing a strong solar manufacturing base in India.
The order issued by MNRE in this regard is as below -
“This is in reference to the schemes/ programmes being implemented by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, wherein it is mandatory to use domestically manufactured solar PV cells and domestically manufactured solar PV modules, and also in reference to the Manufacturing-Linked-PPA initiative by Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd .
2. A solar PV cell shall be considered to be domestically manufactured only if the same has been manufactured in India, using undiffused silicon wafer , classifiable under Customs Tariff Head 3818 and all steps / processes required for manufacturing solar PV cell from the undiffused silicon wafer have been carried out in India.
3. If diffused silicon wafer  is imported and the same is used as raw material for the manufacture of solar PV cells in India, such solar PV cells shall not qualify as domestically manufactured solar PV cells, for the purpose of MNRE’s Schemes / Programmes mandating use of domestically manufactured solar PV cells.
4. The solar PV cell manufacturing facility required to be set-up under SECI's Manufacturing-Linked-PPA initiative should manufacture solar PV cells from undiffused wafers, as explained above."
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
IMPLEMENTATION OF RVY
Details of funds allocation and release under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana  since its launch, are as under:

|
|
Funds Allocated
|
|
Funds released/spent
|
|
249.1009
|
|
249.1009
The details of number of beneficiaries under the scheme during the last three years, State-wise, are given at Annexure.
The Scheme is being implemented in camp mode through ‘Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation ’,  as the sole implementing Agency. ALIMCO, in collaboration with State/District Administration, after adequate awareness, identifies the beneficiaries in each district by a team of doctors/technicians/other professionals to assess their needs and to prescribe the requisite Assisted Living Devices in the Assessment Camps. The devices are then distributed to the identified beneficiaries in the distribution camp. Further, regular communications are made from this Ministry to respective State/UT Governments for extending co-operation to ALIMCO in organizing these Camps. Details of scheme of RVY is available on the Ministry’s website also.
|
|
S. No.
|
|
States/UTs
|
|
2019-20
|
|
2020-21
|
|
2021-22
|
|
1
|
|
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
2
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
1007
|
|
0
|
|
1001
|
|
3
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
943
|
|
299
|
|
569
|
|
4
|
|
Assam
|
|
316
|
|
1679
|
|
2323
|
|
5
|
|
Bihar
|
|
496
|
|
837
|
|
1305
|
|
6
|
|
Chandigarh
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
7
|
|
Chhattishgarh
|
|
0
|
|
2073
|
|
1310
|
|
8
|
|
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
|
|
0
|
|
76
|
|
265
|
|
9
|
|
NCT of Delhi
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
10
|
|
Goa
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
11
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
1961
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
12
|
|
Haryana
|
|
1609
|
|
158
|
|
907
|
|
13
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
0
|
|
236
|
|
0
|
|
14
|
|
Jammu and Kashmir
|
|
247
|
|
114
|
|
8
|
|
15
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
0
|
|
346
|
|
0
|
|
16
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
418
|
|
532
|
|
3273
|
|
17
|
|
Kerala
|
|
1646
|
|
664
|
|
910
|
|
18
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
19
|
|
Lakshadweep
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
20
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
818
|
|
2022
|
|
1591
|
|
21
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
0
|
|
3434
|
|
41282
|
|
22
|
|
Manipur
|
|
0
|
|
4170
|
|
387
|
|
23
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
2510
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
24
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
364
|
|
25
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
317
|
|
26
|
|
Odisha
|
|
1352
|
|
289
|
|
1920
|
|
27
|
|
Puducherry
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
28
|
|
Punjab
|
|
0
|
|
1343
|
|
383
|
|
29
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
5298
|
|
71
|
|
1364
|
|
30
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
804
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
31
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
780
|
|
0
|
|
0
|
|
32
|
|
Telangana
|
|
588
|
|
0
|
|
1130
|
|
33
|
|
Tripura
|
|
1158
|
|
3226
|
|
1233
|
|
34
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
1404
|
|
1034
|
|
0
|
|
35
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
21474
|
|
2429
|
|
8829
|
|
36
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
0
|
|
101
|
|
0
|
|
Total
|
|
44829
|
|
25133
|
|
70671
This information was given by Minister of state for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Special Service and Features
RBI organises State Level Financial Literacy Quiz
Reserve Bank of India , in association with the Directorate of General Education, Government of Kerala, organized the State Level Financial Literacy Quiz, focusing on Government school students of classes 8th, 9th and 10th. GHSS& VHSS Kalanjoor, Pathanamthitta district, represented by Arjun S. Kumar and Niranjan V. secured first position in the State level quiz. Government Boys HSS Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram district and GHSS Pattiam, Kannur district bagged the second and third positions respectively in the quiz competition held at Thiruvananthapuram. The winners of the State level quiz will get a chance to represent Kerala for the south zone level quiz.
Shri. Thomas Mathew, Regional Director, RBI, Shri. R. Kamalakannan, Integrated Banking Ombudsman, RBI, Shri. Santhosh Kumar Additional Director, Directorate of General Education, Shri Premkumar S, SLBC Convenor, Dr Cedric Lawrence, General Manager, RBI and Shri KB Sreekumar Deputy General Manager, RBI handed over the certificates and trophies to the winners and participating teams.
Prize money of Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third position teams in the State level quiz. Attractive prize money, trophies and certificates were also awarded during the sub-district and district-level events.
NS
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Ministry of Defence
In a first, Chief of Defence Staff visits NCC Republic Day Camp
General Anil Chauhan lauds NCC role in youth empowerment
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM SM, VSM visited the NCC Republic Day Camp 2023 at Delhi Cantt in New Delhi on 17 January 2023. This is for the first time a CDS has visited NCC Republic Day Camp.
A contingent of all the three wings namely Army, Navy and Air Force presented an impressive “Guard of Honour” to the Chief of Defence Staff on his arrival. NCC cadets thereafter presented a fine band display. The CDS also visited the ‘Flag Area’ prepared by the NCC cadets, depicting various social awareness themes and cultural activities. The cadets briefed him in detail about their respective State Directorate themes.
The CDS also visited the recently renovated ‘Hall of Fame’ a proud possession of NCC with display of rich archival collection of alumni photographs, models, motivational and other visual delights of the three wings of NCC.
The Chief of Defence Staff along with other distinguished guests later witnessed a spectacular ‘Cultural Programme’ by the cadets in the NCC auditorium.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Defence Staff underscored that from a humble beginning the NCC has grown into a volunteer organisation of 17 Lakh Cadets. “Its contribution in inculcating the qualities of Discipline, Leadership and Camaraderie amongst the youth of this country is exemplary”, he said.
Highlighting the immense contributions of NCC in social awareness activities, Chief of Defence Staff mentioned about the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ launched with the aim to clean up Sea Shores/Beaches and remove and recycle plastic/other waste and spread awareness about need for clean and pristine beaches and hazards of plastic pollution.
“The drive has caught the imagination of public and till date approximately 13.5 lakh NCC cadets have participated in the Abhiyan and collected almost 208 tons of plastic waste out of which 167 tons has been sent for recycling”, said General Chauhan.
The CDS complimented NCC for its 75th year of selfless service to the nation. He also applauded the exceptional performance displayed by NCC cadets in various sports events.
Prime Minister's Office
Mr. Bimalendra Nidhi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs of Nepal calls on PM
Mr. Bimalendra Nidhi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs of Nepal calls on PM
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves setting up of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2018
The Cabinet today approved the draft National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine  Bill, 2018, which seeks to replace the existing regulator Central Council for Indian Medicine  with a new body to ensure transparency.
Salient features:
The draft bill provides for the constitution of a National Commission with four autonomous boards entrusted with conducting overall education of Ayurveda, under Board of Ayurveda and Unani, Siddha &Sowarigpa under Board of Unaini, Siddha and Sowarigpa. There are two common Boards namely, Board of assessment and rating to assess and grant permission to educational institutions of Indian systems of Medicine and Board of ethics and registration of practitioners of Indian systems of medicine to maintain National Register and ethical issues relating to practice under the National Commission for Indian Medicine.
It also proposes a common entrance exam and an exit exam, which all graduates will have to clear to get practicing licenses. Further, a teacher's eligibility test has been proposed in the Bill to assess the standard of teachers before appointment and promotions.
The draft bill is aimed at bringing reforms in the medical education of Indian medicine sector in lines with the National Medical Commission proposed for setting up for Allopathy system of medicine.
The proposed regulatory structure will enable transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general public. The NCIM will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country.